Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice Art, Design and Communication 2025-26

The Level 3 programme is designed to increase your knowledge of the Art and Design Industry, develop your skills across a range of media, and respond to briefs that inspire creative thinking, research and reflective practice.

Learners have the opportunity to explore art outside of the studios, having previously visited the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum in Holland; designed their own sculptures to represent climate change; participated in Fashion Shows as designers and models and produced artwork as part of the Empty Shops project.

The programme is 'learner responsive' which means we build projects around the learners who have chosen this route of study, as well as looking at employer needs and opportunities which present themselves.

Typically, projects focus on working to a client brief that allows for development in 2D, 3D and 4D art work. You will be given guidance as you explore fine art, graphics, fashion and textiles, photography and interactive media.

As part of work experience there are opportunities to work with guest speakers, display work in exhibitions at regional venues and attend trips and visits to local, regional, national and / or international places.

• Animator
• Art Director
• Costume Designer
• Craft Artist
• Graphic Designer
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Web Designer

... and so much more!

Achieving a Merit or Distinction at Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication will allow for progression onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication.

Progression for most learners after successful completion of the Extended Diploma is onto a Foundation Year in Art and Design or a BA (Hons) in Art and Design (with a choice of specialist areas). Alternative choices include employment as an artist, a trainee/technical assistant in the design industry, assistant curator or freelance work in printing, photography, product and interior design, graphics and fashion/textiles design.

To gain a place on the L3 Diploma in Creative Practice you need to have 5 GCSEs with grades 4-9 (including Maths and English) ideally you will have a level 2 qualification in Art & Design and a keen interest in the subject. Alternatively, a merit or distinction for UAL L2 Diploma in Art and Design, along with GCSE maths and English at grades 4-9 would secure a place on the course.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

There are two formative units delivered in a project and graded as Pass / Fail. Both units have to be completed at a pass level to be able to progress to the final project.

Learners respond to a set brief that is structured to embrace artists wanting to express themselves in 2D, 3D or 4D. The final project is graded as 'Pass' / Merit / Distinction'. All work is assessed internally by an Assessor, before being Internally and Externally Verified to check the marking is consistent. Assessment includes physical presentation of art work, written submissions, viva voce (interview to camera), photographic evidence, collaboration with artists / clients, all presented as a digital portfolio.

September 2025

The Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication is the first year of a two year programme, with the Extended Diploma in year two; you will study across four days each week.

This full time study programme courses may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.